Vol. 431 No. 6
112 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on the research published by the Rape Crisis Centre in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace; and the action, if any, he intends to take in this matter.
I welcome the research published by the Rape Crisis Centre in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace. It is timely, particularly in so far as it provides some insight into the attitudes of the respondents (Personnel Practitioners) to, the problem of sexual harassment in employment. I will consider the research carefully.
I am taking a number of steps in an effort to address this problem. Arising from consultations with the social partners and the Employment Equality Agency on the implementation of the provision of the EC Recommendation and Code of Practice on the Protection of the Dignity of Women and Men at Work I am satisfied that there is a broad measure of support for the development of an Irish Code of Practice in this area.
Accordingly, I have asked the Employment Equality Agency to undertake the preparation of a draft Irish Code in full consultation with the social partners. The Agency is to report back to me by the end of October. The Agency provides advice and assistance free of charge to victims of sexual harassment.
In addition I am, in my current review of Employment Equality legislation examining which legislative provision will best meet the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to introduce improved provisions in relation to sexual harassment.
